RomaniaGuidebook - Danube Delta

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The DANUBE DELTA

The Danube River flows 1,788 miles (2,870 km.) from Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea. Just before reaching the sea, the river divides into three main branches referred to by the names of their port cities Chilia, Sulina and Sfintu Gheorghe. In addition to the main branches there is a vast network of smaller channels, lakes and brooks creating a wetland and wildlife sanctuary covering nearly 3,000 square miles (5,165 sq.km.) that shelters more 300 species of birds, countless fish and 1,150 kinds of plants. UNESCO has designated the Delta as a "Reservation of the Biosphere". Map

The Danube Delta Boat cruises travel the three main branches via hydrofoils, river ferry boats and motor boats; row boats and tugs go on the smaller channels. Trips originate at Tulcea and vary in length and duration. A two day trip with an overnight stay in Crisan or Sulina is best for viewing the Delta's flora and fauna.

The delta has 16 protected reserves where pelicans and cormorants fish. Purple herons, spoonbills, ospreys, cranes, falcons, eagles, egrets, swans and red-breasted geese all gather in the Delta, as do some rare species such as the griffon vulture, teal and the sheld duck.

Vegetation includes thousands of white and yellow water lilies floating on the lake surfaces. The Delta is the largest unbroken reed area in the world.

Water fauna includes 75 species of fresh water fish and 70 species of clams, shells, and snails, plus microscopic and deep-water species.

Fishing is allowed year-round, except during the spawning period in April and May. Fishing areas are established by the Hunters & Anglers' Association (AVPS) and the Administration Biosphere Reservation "Delta Dunarii" (ARBDD).

Tulcea
At the gate of the Delta is the port city of Tulcea, the tourist and administrative center of the county.
The spot was originally settled by Dacians and Romans during the 7th-1st centuries B.C.
In summer, ferry boats travel to Sulina and Sfintu Gheorghe from Tulcea. Hydrofoils go Galati and Sulina. A floating hotel offers multi-day trips through the Delta.

Tulcea's sights include:

St. Nicholas' Church built in 1865,

Azzizie Mosque since 1924,

The Natural History Museum tells about the Delta's ecosystem and contains an aquarium of regional fish.

The Ethnographic Museum with exhibits on the different peoples inhabiting the Delta region over history.

The International Folk Festival of Danubian Countries is held here in August.

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